Samsung tests 5G tech to enable one-second movie downloads

South Korea's Samsung Electronics today announced that it has successfully tested super-fast fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology that would eventually allow users to download an entire movie in one second.

The South Korean giant said the testing saw data transmission of more than one gigabyte per second over a distance of two kilometres. The new technology would offer transmitting speeds "up to several hundred times faster" than existing 4G networks, it said in a statement.

 The 5G technology is expected to revolutionise the way we use wireless and mobile technology. However, it is unlikely to be ready for the market before 2020.

Once in place the technology will permit users to "transmit massive data files, including high quality digital movies practically without limitation", the company said.

"As a result, subscribers will be able to enjoy a wide range of services such as 3D movies and games, real-time streaming of ultra-high definition (UHD) content, and remote medical services," it added.

Samsung said it had found a way to harness millimetre-wave bands, which have been a sticky point for the mobile industry so far. The test used 64 antenna elements, which the technology giant said overcame the issue of "unfavourable propagation characteristics" that have prevented data travelling across long distances using these bands.

One of the most wired countries on earth, South Korea already has around 20 million 4G users.